Jake Wright Leaves Oxford United

9 July 2016

Wright moves on after six years with United

Oxford United defender Jake Wright is to leave the U’s by mutual consent.

The former Bradford, Halifax, Crawley and Brighton defender has been a key part of the side ever since he arrived in 2010, quickly assuming the captain’s armband and making over 250 starts for the club. He was the last link to the side that won promotion back to the Football League at Wembley in 2010 and skippered the side to promotion last season.

However, the arrival of two new central defenders and the emergence of Chey Dunkley meant that United had four senior centre-halves, with youngster Robbie Cundy also starting to challenge. Head Coach Michael Appleton said

“First and foremost I’d like to thank Jake for everything he has done at the club. He is a fantastic pro and a first class captain and has the respect of everyone at Oxford.

“But football moves on and we have brought two players in, Aaron Martin and Curtis Nelson, who are experienced players in the centre of defence. Jake and I sat down and talked about it, just as we did on so many things, and were both totally honest with each other. I said that I couldn’t guarantee him a starting place every week and I fully understand that Jake would be looking for that at this stage in his career.

“By allowing him to leave now he can find a new club for the season and he leaves on good terms and with our very best wishes.”